News

A statement for March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2023

A Statement by Neelam Sahota, Chief Executive Officer, DIVERSEcity, and Co-Chair, Surrey Local Immigration Partnership March 21 is… Read more

DIVERSEcity welcomes the Hon. Premier David Eby

March 9, 2023

After his economic address to Surrey with the Surrey Board of Trade on March 3, 2023, DIVERSEcity welcomed the Honourable… Read more

Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence event an inspiring evening

March 7, 2023

DIVERSEcity wrapped up Black History Month 2023 with our inaugural Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence event at… Read more

Build the Career You Want | Acing the reference check

February 1, 2023

So, you’ve made it through a successful job interview and the employer has asked you to provide references. … Read more

Neelam Sahota talks immigration and governance on the Discovery Pod podcast

January 25, 2023

Neelam Sahota, Chief Executive Officer, DIVERSEcity, was welcomed by host Douglas Nelson on the Discovery Pod podcast this… Read more

Happy Year of the Rabbit from DIVERSEcity!

January 25, 2023

The Year of the Rabbit is here! As we hop into a new year, DIVERSEcity wishes you and… Read more

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Yesterday was a day full of empowerment, growth an

Yesterday was a day full of empowerment, growth and unity as more than 150 women leaders from the Lower Mainland came together at the Women’s Leadership Forum, a collaborative event hosted by DIVERSEcity and @MinervaBC.

We were welcomed by Qayqayt First Nation’s Stacey Ferguson who shared us a history of the land we were on, and a speech by Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC (@lgjanetaustin), who spoke poignantly on the importance of not only equality, but #equity for women to advance, recognizing that women continue to hold more of the responsibility in families, too. “For there to be equality in the workplace, there must also be equality in the home,” said Her Honour.

We were lucky to have a powerhouse panel of women leaders, including Cyndi McLeod, Prem Gill, Shalyma Cambridge, Diane Dou and Efe Fruci at our DIVERSEtalks panel discussion, moderated by Neelam Sahota and Tina Strehlke.

Alongside the panel, we also witnessed artist Chloe Greenberg (@chloegreenbergstudio) who transformed the live discussion into a painting and connected with female-led businesses from our entrepreneur programs, as well as calligraphy artist Amun Grewall and cellist Jennifer Moersch who filled the room with beautiful music. Thank you to all the exhibitors, volunteers and participants, too!

We left feeling more energized and determined than ever, but the conversations and actions don’t end here. Let’s continue to stand strong and #elevate women’s voices across all spheres.

Thank you to sponsors @vancitycu, @university_canada_west and @globaluniversitysystems, as well as funder Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada for making this event possible.

#women #womenleaders #equity #surreybc #everyonebelongshere #leadership @iwmscanada @creativebcs @blueshorefinancial @odihiempowers @efefruci #ImmigrationMatters @citimmcanada

We’re SOLD OUT! If you’re still looking to att

We’re SOLD OUT! If you’re still looking to attend the DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum tomorrow, join us online via Zoom!

Tune in at 10 am for welcoming remarks with Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, and our DIVERSEtalks panel discussion on “Advancing Women in Leadership” with a panel of incredible local women leaders.

Please email marketing@dcrs.ca for the Zoom link.

Learn more about the event at ➡️ dcrs.ca/women

#women #womenleadership #womeninleadership #womenleaders #event #ImmigrationMatters #panel #leadership

Our hearts are full as our staff from the South Fr

Our hearts are full as our staff from the South Fraser Refugee Readiness Team (RRT) built and dispersed 400 healthy food hampers to Ukrainian newcomers and refugees in the South Fraser Region this week, in partnership with @city.dreamcentre. A huge shout out to the amazing group of international students from Japan’s @regent.christian and the Youth group from @thisisvillagechurch Church who joined us to assemble the hampers and support those in need.

Learn more about the work of the South Fraser RRT at ➡️ dcrs.ca/rrt

#foodsecurity #refugeesupport #newcomers #food #SurreyBC #EveryoneBelongsHere

Sharing our warmest wishes to all those who will b

Sharing our warmest wishes to all those who will be observing Ramadan this month.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Have tax return questions as a small business or s

Have tax return questions as a small business or self-employed individual? Get help filing your tax return with these two workshops led by @canrevagency (CRA) professionals!

Learn about:
• Business tax deductions
• Common tax errors
• Helpful tools and services offered by the CRA
• General bookkeeping concepts and best practices

For T1 Tax Return Help for Self-Employed Individuals/ Sole Proprietorship, join us on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 11 am – 1:30 pm.

For T2 Tax Return Help for Small Business/Corporations, join us on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 11 am – 1:30 pm.

Sessions take place at Surrey Central Library, Room 402.

Register today!
📞 604-547-1662
📧 selfemployment@dcrs.ca
💻 tax-return-help2023.eventbrite.com

#SurreyBC #DIVERSEcity #EveryoneBelongsHere #langley #whiterock #delta #deltabc #langleybc #vancouver #smallbusiness #selfemployed #smallbusinessvancouver #supportsmallbusinesses #smallbusinessbc

Learning from each other was an important underlyi

Learning from each other was an important underlying theme during our special visit today with Her Honour, The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at DIVERSEcity Surrey Community Campus.

We had a thought-provoking conversation about the pressing challenges we are facing as a society from gender-based violence to housing to employment, particularly for our most vulnerable populations. We also shared knowledge around the importance of Indigenous #reconciliation and our work with Surrey Local Immigration Partnership on the Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers.

Dialogue like this – between sectors, government and business – is a pivotal part of community building and advancing important issues forward.

We thank Her Honour for her time, curiosity and passion. Our leadership team learned a great deal from your stories and experiences, and we welcome opportunities to continue our connection in the future.

And, of course, we are looking forward to hearing more from Her Honour during her Welcoming Remarks at our DIVERSEcity x Minerva BC Women’s Leadership Forum on March 28. Visit ➡️ dcrs.ca/women.

#EveryoneBelongsHere #SurreyBC #communitybuilding #DIVERSEcity @lgjanetaustin

Wishing a joyful #Nowruz to all those celebrating!

Wishing a joyful #Nowruz to all those celebrating! Our staff celebrated the Persian New Year to welcome the arrival of spring and new beginnings. 🌸

#EveryoneBelongsHere #DIVERSEcity #SurreyBC

Established and emerging women leaders are coming

Established and emerging women leaders are coming together to our DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, to share their stories and strategies on overcoming barriers in the workplace.

As part of the event, we are hosting our next in-person DIVERSEtalks panel discussion on “Advancing Women in Leadership,” moderated by Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity and Tina Strehlke, CEO, @minervabc.

We are excited to welcome a panel of incredible women leaders, including:

▶️ Cindy McLeod, CEO, @globaluniversitysystems Canada; Chair of the Board, @university_canada_west
▶️ Prem Gill, CEO, @creativebcs
▶️ Shalyma Cambridge, Director, Client Solutions, HRx
▶️ Diane Dou, Chief Experience Officer, @blueshorefinancial
▶️ @efefruci, Founder, Coach & Consultant, The Coaching Element & @odihiempowers

This panel is part of our larger event that starts at 10 am. However, the panel will begin at 10:30 am.

LIMITED SEATS REMAINING!

Register via Eventbrite through ➡️ dcrs.ca/women

#women #womenleadership #womeninleadership #womenleaders #event #ImmigrationMatters @citimmcanada #panel #leadership

We love how cute these craft jars are! Our “New

We love how cute these craft jars are! Our “New Beginnings” spring break camp children are having loads of fun exploring their creativity and engaging in fun activities.

There are still a few spots left for our session next week, March 20 to 22, from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

Register today!
📞 605-547-1202
📧 intake@dcrs.ca
💻 dcrs.ca/youth

#SurreyBC #DIVERSEcity #EveryoneBelongsHere #ImmigrationMatters #springbreak #immigrantkids

Thank you to federal Minister of Housing and Diver

Thank you to federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen (@ahmeddhussen) and MP Sukh Dhaliwal (@sukhdhaliwalcanada) for the in-depth discussion on housing and the affordability crisis, and the impact it has on the immigrant and refugee settlement journey.

Our case workers are working to help families find affordable, safe housing that meets their needs, often for large households. It’s a challenge and they face many systemic barriers.

We’re excited about working together with the federal and provincial governments and other partners to develop more solutions to help British Columbians, especially our most vulnerable populations.

#SurreyBC #EveryoneBelongsHere #DIVERSEcity #housing #britishcolumbia #immigrant

Spring is almost here, which means our community g

Spring is almost here, which means our community gardens are back in action!

This is a learning garden program that helps new immigrants and refugees connect to their new communities.

Learn more about our beautiful community gardens in #SurreyBC ➡️ dcrs.ca/food

#EveryoneBelongsHere #DIVERSEcity #community #gardening #ImmigrationMatters

We are grateful to have collaborated with BCFED He

We are grateful to have collaborated with BCFED Health and Safety and Watari Counselling and Support Services (@wataricounselling) to give a bike safety workshop to clients in our C.A.R.E. program for migrant workers. They also gifted everyone bikes and educational hampers to take home. How amazing!

The Collective Advocacy for Rights and Education (C.A.R.E.) for Migrant Workers Program is a new program that supports and fosters a sense of community among migrant workers in the South Fraser region and beyond

Learn more about the C.A.R.E. program at the link in bio.

#EveryoneBelongsHere #SurreyBC #migrantworkers #DIVERSEcity

The first day of DIVERSEcity’s Annual Income Tax

The first day of DIVERSEcity’s Annual Income Tax Clinic was a busy one! Here are some photos of some of the people we’re helping file their taxes, along with some group photos of our amazing volunteers, supporting the clinic with either their accounting know-how or through language support.

Thanks to our volunteer coordinator Faiaz for overseeing this important program for the community of #SurreyBC.

The clinic is open on various dates until April 13 at DIVERSEcity and Surrey Libraries.

Learn more and book an appointment at ➡️ dcrs.ca/tax

Happy Holi to those celebrating today! Our staff c

Happy Holi to those celebrating today! Our staff came together to celebrate colours of inclusivity, happiness and success for all.

#Holi

Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all the incredibl

Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all the incredible women around the world! 🌷

Today, let’s celebrate the achievements, strengths and contributions women bring to all aspects of our lives.

We are so proud of the expertise, leadership and care our staff bring to support newcomers and diverse communities, and are grateful for their hard work and dedication every day!

We are continuing the celebrations later this month at our DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum. Learn more and register at ➡️ dcrs.ca/women

#IWD2023 #IWD #InternationalWomensDay2023 #EmbraceEquity #EveryWomanCounts #SurreyBC #EveryoneBelongsHere #DIVERSEcity

In recognition of #InternationalWomensDay this mon

In recognition of #InternationalWomensDay this month, join us and @MinervaBC to uplift, learn from each other and advance our careers and lives at the DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women's Leadership Forum.

Whether you are just stepping into your leadership potential or are an experienced leader yourself, we invite women from all backgrounds to join us at the @AnvilCentre on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 10 am – 2 pm (located near the New Westminster SkyTrain station).

Highlights include:
▶️ Welcome remarks from Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC (@lgjanetaustin)
▶️ A DIVERSEtalks panel discussion with local women leaders and Q&A session
▶️ Facilitated, interactive group activities, led by Minerva BC
▶️ Group laughter yoga, led by Tarana Kaur, founder of Happness Yoga (@happinessyogataranaamkaur)
▶️ Artistic mind map activity, led by artist Chloe Greenberg (@chloegreenbergstudio)
▶️ Networking opportunities and light lunch served

Let's share our stories and strategies on overcoming barriers in the workplace; redefine what leadership looks like together, and advance equity for women of all races and backgrounds.

Register today! Limited spots available. Visit ➡️ dcrs.ca/women

Minerva BC is a local non-profit helping women reach their leadership potential.

Thank you to sponsors @vancitycu Newton Branch, @University_Canada_West and @GlobalUniversitySystems.

#InternationalWomensDay #IWD #IWD2023 #InternationalWomensDay2023 #women #womenleadership #womeninleadership #womenleaders #event #ImmigrationMatters @citimmcanada

Learn how to apply for a work permit in Canada! W

Learn how to apply for a work permit in Canada!

We are offering an online Spanish-language workshop with guest speaker from Amigrar Immigration Consulting Inc. to walk you through the process of getting your work permit.

Join us online via Zoom on Monday, March 13 from 5–6 pm.

Register today!
📞 604-306-6823
📧 glira@dcrs.ca
💻 forms.office.com/r/cgtvxaF3nw

#SurreyBC #DIVERSEcity #EveryoneBelongsHere #langley #whiterock #delta #deltabc #langleybc #vancouver #immigrationmatters #newtocanada #immigrant #latin #latincouver #hispanic #LatinosinCanada #latinosencanada #latinosenvancouver #eventoslatinosvancouver

Looking for some activities for your kids (7–12)

Looking for some activities for your kids (7–12) this spring break?

DIVERSEcity invites permanent resident families to sign up for our “New Beginnings Spring Break Camp.”

At this free day camp, kids will engage and learn about topics such as mindfulness and self-awareness, while also having loads of fun taking part in games and activities. Snacks provided.

Parents: there will also be free workshops for you!

Choose either March 13–15 or March 20–22, 9:30 am–2 pm, in #SurreyBC.

Register by email at intake@dcrs.ca or call 605-547-1202.

#springbreak #immigrantkids #ImmigrationMatters #EveryoneBelongsHere

After his economic address to Surrey with @sboft t

After his economic address to Surrey with @sboft today, we were honoured to welcome the Honourable Premier @davidebybc to DIVERSEcity's Surrey Community Campus to meet with our leadership team.

Along with Minister @harry.bains.mla , Minister @rachnasinghndp — and our Board of Director members: Chair Upkar Singh Tatlay, Sonia Parmar and Cindy Zheng — we talked about the challenges facing British Columbia and the ways forward to prioritize people to build a sustainable and inclusive economy.

There is complex work ahead and we look forward to partnering with the Government of British Columbia to continue creating solutions for a better future ahead for all British Columbians.

#DIVERSEcity #EveryoneBelongsHere #SurreyBC #BC #BCbudget @n.sahota73

It’s great to see so many seniors connecting and

It’s great to see so many seniors connecting and staying active at our TAPS (Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors) program in Bear Creek Park!

Sessions in Punjabi take place every Tuesday from 10 am – 12 pm at the Bear Creek Park Pavillion.

Interested seniors can contact Tarana Kaur at:
📞 778-549-1926
📧 tkaur@dcrs.ca
💻 dcrs.ca/seniors

#DIVERSEcity #SurreyBC #EveryoneBelongsHere #seniors #senior #vancouver #vancouverbc #delta #deltabc #langley #langleybc #whiterock #burnaby

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9 hours ago

Yesterday was a day full of empowerment, growth and unity as more than 150 women leaders from the Lower Mainland came together at the Women’s Leadership Forum, a collaborative event hosted by DIVERSEcity and Minerva BC.We were welcomed by Qayqayt First Nation’s Stacey Ferguson who shared us a history of the land we were on, and a speech by Her Honour, The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, who spoke poignantly on the importance of not only equality, but #equity for women to advance, recognizing that women continue to hold more of the responsibility in families, too. “For there to be equality in the workplace, there must also be equality in the home,” said Her Honour.We were lucky to have a powerhouse panel of women leaders, including Cyndi McLeod, Prem Gill, Shalyma Cambridge, Diane Dou, and Efe Fruci at our DIVERSEtalks panel discussion, moderated by Neelam Sahota and Tina Strehlke.Alongside the panel, we also witnessed artist Chloe Greenberg who transformed the live discussion into a painting and connected with female-led businesses from our entrepreneur programs, as well as calligraphy artist Amun Grewall and cellist Jennifer Moersch who filled the room with beautiful music. Thank you to all the exhibitors, volunteers and participants, too!We left feeling more energized and determined than ever, but the conversations and actions don’t end here. Let’s continue to stand strong and elevate women’s voices across all spheres.Thank you to sponsors Vancity, University Canada West and Global University Systems, as well as funder Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for making this event possible.#women #womenleaders #equity #surreybc #everyonebelongshere #leadership ... See MoreSee Less

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DIVERSEcity

2 days ago

This Wednesday! Discover how you can save for your children’s education with the Canada Learning Bond and get simple tips on online banking, including:• How to navigate the online banking system • How to get a void cheque • How to send money using e-transfer Join us in-person this Wednesday, March 29 from 1–3 pm, at DIVERSEcity Surrey Community Campus. To register, please call 604-307-3565, email jharrison@dcrs.ca, or visit: forms.office.com/r/BiJ65SQn62 ... See MoreSee Less

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DIVERSEcity

2 days ago

We’re SOLD OUT! If you’re still looking to attend the DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum tomorrow, you can join us online via Zoom! Tune in at 10 am for welcoming remarks with Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, and our DIVERSEtalks panel discussion on “Advancing Women in Leadership” with a panel of incredible local women leaders. Please email marketing@dcrs.ca for the Zoom link. Learn more about the event: www.dcrs.ca/about-us/organizational-impact/international-womens-day/ ... See MoreSee Less

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DIVERSEcity

5 days ago

Our hearts are full as our staff from the South Fraser Refugee Readiness Team (RRT) built and dispersed 400 healthy food hampers to Ukrainian newcomers and refugees in the South Fraser Region this week, in partnership with City Dream Centre.A huge shout out to the amazing group of international students from Japan’s Regent Christian Academy and the Youth group from Village Church who joined us to assemble the hampers and support those in need.Learn more about the work of the South Fraser RRT: www.dcrs.ca/rrt/#foodsecurity #refugeesupport #newcomers ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Sharing our warmest wishes to all those who will be observing Ramadan this month. Ramadan Mubarak! ... See MoreSee Less

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